Time is running out, but nothing would give Tommy Brewer more pleasure than firing his home town club to the Ryman Premier League play-offs.

Hampton & Richmond Borough crashed out of the FA Trophy with a 3-1 defeat at Skrill South play-off chasing Basingstoke Town on Saturday.

The Beavers were hamstrung by their inability to convert a host of opportunities, although Dan Thompson’s strike in the opening minute was the first goal Town had conceded in 360 minutes of football.

Brewer, who celebrated his 21st birthday this week, having grown up yards from the club’s Station Road home, is enjoying himself in a Hampton shirt this term.

And he is convinced theclub, currently languishing close to the relegation zone, can climb the table now their FA Cup and Trophy commitments are over.

“It is not all doom and gloom,” said the former Crawley Town youngster.

“We are a good footballing side and we are creating a lot of chances. Someone is really going to get it sooner or later.

“We know we are good enough to get on a run, but it is going to take five or six wins in a row to get us back in the mix.

“We went on an unbeaten run of 12 league and cup games not so long ago, so it can be done.

“It is going to take a lot of hard work, but now we are out of the cups we can focus on the league, which we have not been able to do for a while.”

Brewer joined Hampton after spells with Bedfont Town, Wealdstone and Carshalton Athletic following his release from the Red Devils in 2011.

And the former Whitton School – now Twickenham Academy – student is happy to be back at home.

“I’m playing for my home town club, what is there not to enjoy about that?” he added.

“I used to go to Whitton School, but they went all posh and changed the name.

“I’m labouring for my uncle now, which is good because it keeps me fit and he does not mind me leaving early for games and training – even though I’m still late.

“I could do without the sore back though.”

Hampton travel to Billericay Town on Saturday.

Wimbledon Times:

On target: Dan Thompson scored for Hampton on Saturday